How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has Worms?

Does your dog have worms?

Dogs can become infected with roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms or heartworms. The cause of infection depends on the type of worm, and dogs of all ages are vulnerable to infection. Your veterinarian can tell you if your dog has worms, and she can prescribe medications to treat the infection and prevent any complications from developing.

Instructions

1. Look for symptoms of intestinal worms in your dog, such as diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, excessive anal licking or scratching, and dry hair. Sometimes blood is present in the stool, and worms may actually be expelled with forceful vomiting. Similar symptoms accompany infection with roundworms, whipworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Not all dogs show symptoms of infection.

2. Bring your puppy to the veterinarian if he is not growing well or appears to have a potbelly, as these symptoms may be caused by a severe roundworm infection.

3. Watch your dog for symptoms of heartworms. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that heartworms in dogs may cause labored breathing, vomiting, coughing, fatigue, listlessness and weight loss.

4. Take your dog to the veterinarian for evaluation and testing. If your veterinarian believes your dog is at risk for worms or has symptoms of worm infestation, she will examine your dog and order any necessary tests.

5. Submit a fecal sample from your dog to the vet for testing for intestinal worms. Your veterinarian may have you collect a stool sample at home or may take one while your dog is in the office. Your vet will likely order blood work to test for anemia.

6. Agree to blood tests for your dog to check for the presence of heartworms. If your veterinarian believes your dog has heartworms, X-rays or ultrasound scans may be ordered to determine the extent of the infection, according to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Tips & Warnings

• Some dogs with worms may scoot around on their rear end in an attempt to relieve the itching and irritation caused by the infection.

• Tapeworm eggs can be difficult to see in a standard fecal sample and might be overlooked during a veterinary examination. Look for rice-like specs in your dog's stool or underneath his tail.

References

• University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
• ASPCA